17-alkyl-19-nor-delta4, 9, 11-pregnatriene-3, 20-diones, process and intermediates for preparing same and therapeutic compositions thereof



description.

United States Patent 17-ALKYL-19-NOR A -PREGNATRIENE-3,20-DI- ONES, PROCESS AND INTERMEDIATES FOR PREPARING SAME AND THERAPEUTIC COM- POSITIONS THEREOF Robert Bucourt, Clichy-sous-Bois, Andr Pierdet, NoisyleSec, Jean Tessier, Vincennes, and Germain Costerousse, Montrouge, France, assignors to Roussel- Uclaf, Paris, France, a corporation of France No Drawing. Filed Oct. 26, 1965, Ser. No. 505,243 Claims priority, application France, Nov. 4, 1964,

993,811; May 3, 1965, 15,549 Claims. (Cl. 167-74) The invention relates to novel 19-nor-A -steroids of the formula wherein R and R are lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and to a novel process for their preparation. The invention also relates to novel therapeutic compositions.

The compounds of Formula I possess interesting physiological properties and at least one of the following physiological activities; progestomimetic activity, progestative activity, anti-androgenic activity and anti-estrogenic activity. 17a-methyl-l9-n0r-A -pregnatriene- 3,20-dione is particularly interesting as it has important progestative and progestomimetic activities.

It is an object of the invention to provide the novel l9-nor-A -steroids of Formula I.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel process for the preparation of the l9-nor-n -steroids 40 of Formula I. It is a further object of the invention to. provide novel intermediates for the l9-nor-A -steroids of Formula I. It is an additional object of the invention to provide novel therapeutic compositions.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become obvious from the following detailed The novel 19-nor-A -steroids of the invention have the formula wherein R and R are lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples of said compounds are 17a-methyl-19- nor A4941 pregnatriene 3,20 dione, 17a-ethyl-l9-nor- 1 A pregnatriene 3,20-dione, 17a-butyl-19-nor-A pregnatriene 3,20 dione, 17a methyl-18,19-dinor-13flethyl- -preguatriene-3,ZO-dione, etc.

The novelprocess of the invention for the preparation of 19-nor-A -pregnatrienes of Formula I comprises 20 reacting 5 methoxy 13 8 R-des A-18,19-dinor-A pregnatetraene-ZO-one wherein R has the above definition with an alkyl halide wherein the alkyl is R of the above definition in the presence of a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals in liquid ammonia to form S-methoxy-l3B-R-17a-R-des A 18,19 dinor A -pregnatriene-20-one, reducing the latter with a mixed metal hydride to form S-methoxy- 1 3 3-R'- 17tZ-R-d68, A-l8,19-dinor-A -pregnatriene-20-ol, subjecting the latter to a Birch reduction followed by mild acidic hydrolysis to form l3}8-R'-l7a-R-ds A-1 8,l9-

di110r-A -prcgncne-20-Ol-5-One, reacting the latter with a concentrated mineral acid to form 13fi-R-17u-des A- 18,l9-dinor-A -pregnene-20-ol-5-one, esterifying the latter to form 13B-R'-17cc-R-des A-18,l9-dinor-20-acyloxy-A pregnene-S-one wherein the acyl radical is derived from an organic carboxylic acid of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, reacting the latter with a cyclic amine of the formula wherein R" is an alkylene of 4 to 7 carbon atoms to form the corresponding S-enamino-l3}3-R-17a-R-des A- 18,19-dinor-20-acyloxy-A -pregnadiene, condensing the latter with 1,3-dichloro-2-butene to form 3-chloro- 13/8 R 17cc R 20-acyloxy-4,5-seco-l8,19-dinor-A pregnadiene-S-one, converting the latter into its enolic acetate, brominating the latter to form 3-chloro-l lbromo 13B R-l7a-R20-acy1oXy-4,5-seco-18,19'-dinor- A -pregnadiene-5-one, dehydrobrominating the latter to form 3 chloro 13fi-R-l7a-R-20-acyloxy-4,5-seco-l8,19-

din0r-A regnatriene S-one, saponifying the latter to 'form 3 chloro-l3fl-R'-l7a-R-4,5-seco-18,19-dinor-A pregnatriene-ZO-ol-S-one, oxidizing the latter to form 3- chloro 13B R'-17a-R-4,5-seco-l8,l9-dinor-A -pregnatriene-5,20-dione, subjecting the latter to acid hydrolysis to form l35-R-17a-R-4,5-seco-18,l9-dinor-A -pregna- -diene-3,5,20-trione and cyclizing the latter with a dehydrating agent to form the 13 8-R-17a-R-18,l9-dinor- A -pregnatriene-3,20-dione. The reaction scheme is illustrated in Table I.

TABLE I on (3H3 (3H3 (i=0 9:0 (EH-OH l p II p i I l l H:CO HaCO- H300 wherein R and R' are lower alkyl radicals of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, Ac is an acyl radical of an organic carboxylic acid of 1 to 18 carbon atoms and R" is a lower alkylene radical of 4 to 7 carbon atoms.

The process of the invention is remarkable because the conversion of S-methoxy-l3B-R-17a-R-des A-l8,19- diner-A -pregnatriene-20-ol into 13,8-R -17a-R-des A- 18,19-dinor-A -pregnene-20-ol-5-one is of necessity eifected in three stages instead of in two as might be expected. In fact, in the course of the synthesis of 19-nor- A -pregnatriene-3,20-dione described in copending, commonly assigned United States patent application Ser. No. 401,657 filed Oct. 5, 1964, now US. Patent No. 3,313,703, S-methoxy-des A-19-nor-A -pregnatriene- -olis subjected to a Birch reduction followed [by-a hydrolysis with a concentrated mineral acid to obtain des A-l9-nor-A -pregnene-20-ol-5-one directly. However, by applying this method to S-methoxy-l3fi-R'-17a-R-des A-18,l9-dinor-A -pregnatriene-20-ol, it was ascertained that the product was easily dehydrated probably as a result of an electrophile transposition of the 1-2 type on a level of carbon 20 and carbon -17 carriers of four substituents among which is the alkyl radical 17a-R.

It was discovered and this is an unforeseen incident of the process, that it was possible to avoid this disadvantageous dehydration by subjecting the product, resulting from the reduction according to the Birch method, first to a mild hydrolysis, which leads to the formation of a l3,B-R-17a-R-des A-l8,19-dinor-A -pregnene-20 ol-5- one with the molecular structure in the 17-position being preserved and then subjecting the said product to the action of a concentrated mineral acid. Under these conditions it is remarkable that the 13,B-R'-17a-R-des A-18,l9- dinor-A -pregnene-20-ol-5-one is obtained without occurrence of the dehydration pointed out above.

A further characteristic feature of the process of the invention is established by the conversion of 3-chloro- 13p R 17a R-20-acyloxy-4,5-seco-l8,l9-dinor-A pregnatriene 5 one into 13 ,B-R-17u-R-4,5 -seco-18,19- dinor-A -pregnadiene-3,5,20-trione. In fact, if the acid hydrolysis of the vinyl chlorine, according to the method described in United States patent application Ser. No. 401,657 is effected directly on the 3-chloro-13B-R'-17a- R-20-acyloxy-4,5-seco-18,l9-dinor A pregnatriene- S-one, the formation of dehydrated products is observed which results in a significant decline in yield probably as a result of an electrophile transposition of the 1-2 type on a level of 17 and 20 carbons because of the sensitization of the 20-O-acy1 function due to the presence of the alkyl radical in the 17-position. However, in an unforewas stable in acid media which permitted the hydrolysis of the vinyl chlorine of 3-chloro-13,3-R'-17a-R-4,5-secol8,l9-bis-nor'A -pregnatriene-5,20-dione and the said conversion could, therefore, be effected with excellent yields.

A preferred mode of the process of the invention comprises reacting -methoxy-13,B-R'-des A-l8,l9-dinor- A -pregnatetraene--one wherein R has the above definition with an alkyl iodide wherein the alkyl is R of the above definition in the presence of lithium in liquid ammonia to form S-methoxy-l3B-R-17x-R-des A-18,l9- dinor-A -pregnatriene-20-one, reducing the latter with an alkali metal borohydride such as potassium borohydride in an organic solvent such as lower alkanol to form 5 methoxy 13,6 R 17cc R-des A-l8,19-dinor-A pregnatriene-ZO-ol, subjecting the latter to a Birch reduction followed by reaction with aqueous oxalic acid to form 13B-R-17a-R-des A-18,19-dinor-A -pregnene-20-o1- 5-one, reacting the latter with concentrated hydrochloric acid to form l3B-R'-17a-R-des A-18,19-dinor-A -preg- ,nene-20-ol-5-one, esten'fying the latter to form 13/i-R'- 17cc R des A-l8,19-dinor-2O-acyloxy-A -pregnene-5-one wherein the acyl radical is derived from an organic carboxylic acid of l to 18 carbon atoms, reacting the latter .with a cyclic amine of the formula furic acid-chromic acid mixture to form 3-chloro-l3fi-R' 170:. R 4,5 seco 18,19-dinor-A -pregnatriene-5,20- dione, hydrolyzing the latter with sulfuric acid to form l3fi-R'-l7a-R-4,5-seco-l8,19 dinor A pregnadiene- 3,5,20-trione and cyclizing the latter with a dehydrating agent to form the l3fi-R'-l7wR-l8,l9-dinor-A pregnatriene-3,20-dione.

The starting materials for the process of the invention may be made by the general process of application Ser.

No. 401,657 which comprises condensing an alkali metal A -androstatriene-l7-one to form 5-methoxy-l3fi-R'- 17a-cyano-des A-l8,19dinor-A -andrOstatriene-175-01, reacting the latter with a dehydrating agent to form 5 methoxy l3B-R'-17-cyano-des A-l8,l9-dinor-A androstatetraene and reacting the latter with a methyl magnesium halide to form 'S-methdxy-lBfi-R'des A-l8, 19-dinor-A -pregnatetraene-ZO-one.

6 The therapeutic compositions of the invention are comprised of at least one l9-nor-A -steroid of the formula wherein R and R are lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and a major amount of a pharmaceutical carrier. The

compositions may be in the form of injectable solutions or suspensions, in ampoules or multiple dose flacons, in

the form of implants, tablets, and suppositories prepared in the usual manner. The usual daily dosage is 5 to 25 mg. depending upon the method of administration.

The method of maintaining pregnancy in mammals comprises administering an eifective amount of 17amethyl-19-nor-A -pregnatriene-3,ZO-dione. The said product may be administered orally, perlingually, subcutaneously or rectally.

In the following example there are described several 8 preferred embodiments to illustrate the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments.

Step A: Preparation of S-methoxy-I7u-methyl-aes A -1 9- nor-A -pregnatriene-20-0ne Over a period of 15 minutes, 270 mg. of lithium were added to 250 cc. of anhydrous ammonia condensed at a temperature of 75 C., and the suspension was agitated for 1 hour under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Then 250 cc. of ether were added thereto over a period of25 minutes and then very slowly a solution of 5 gm. of S-methoxy-des A-19-nor-A -pregnatetraene-20-one in cc. of ether was introduced. After agitating the reaction mixture for 10 minutes at a temperature of C., 40 cc. of methyl iodide were added thereto and the agitation was continued for /2 hour more. The ammonia of the reaction mixture was removed with a tepid water bath while agitating for 30' minutes and then the reaction mixture was washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The residue obtained was dissolved in an ethanol-acetic acid mixture (10:1) and after 5.25 gm. of reagent T (tn'methylacethydrazide ammonium chloride) were added, the mixture was refluxed for 1 /2 hours. After cooling, the mixture was poured into ice water, was neutralized by the addition of a 2 N sodium hydroxide solution and was extracted with ether. The organic phase was recovered, washed with water until the wash waters were neutral, dried and evaporated to dryness under vacuum.

The residue obtained was subjected to chromatography through silica gel and eluted with methylene chloride containing 1.5% of acetone to obtain 3.275 gm. (yield of 62%) of S-methoxy-lh-methyl-des A-19-nor-A -pregnatriene-ZO-one which product was employed as such for the next step of the synthesis. This product was soluble in most of the organic solvents.

The starting product, S-methoxy-des A-19-I1O1I1A5'7916- pregnatetraene-ZO-one was prepared according to the process described in United States patent application Ser. No. 401,657, filed October 5, 1964.

pregnatriene-ZO-one were dissolved in cc. of ethanol and a solution of 3.22 gm. of potassium borohydride in 65 cc. of Water was rapidly added under an atmosphere of nitrogen and under agitation. After agitation for 16 hours at room temperature, the reaction mixture was poured into ice water and the aqueous solution was saturated with sodium chloride and extracted with methylene chloride. The organic phase was recovered, washed with water until the wash waters were neutral, dried and evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The residue obtained was subjected to chromatograph through magnesium silicate and eluted with methylene chloride to obtain 2.796 gm. (a yield of 86%) of 5-methoxy-17a-methyl-des A-19-nor- A -pregnatriene-20ol having a melting point of 88 C. and a specific rotation [u], =8.3 (c.=0.48% in methanol).

The product occurred in the form of colorless prisms soluble in most of the common organic solvents.

Analysis.-C H O molecular weight=274.39. Calculated: C, 78.78%; H, 9.55%. Found: C, 78.9; H, 9.7.

Step C: Preparation of 17a-methyl-des A-19-n0r- A -pregnene-20-0l-5-0ne (a) Birch reactin.280 cc. of anhydrous ammonia were condensed at a temperature of 70= C. and 65 mg. of lithiumwere added over a 15 minute period and the reaction mixture was agitated for an hour under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Then, 50 cc. of anhydrous ether were introduced into the mixture over a 15 minute period and then a solution of 1 gm. of -methoxy-17a-methyl-des A-19 nor-A 'I regnatriene-ZO-ol in 100 cc. of ether was added thereto. After the introduction was completed, the reaction mixture was maintained under gentle agitation for 3 hours. Next, 100 cc. of ethanol were added to the reaction mixture over a period of 30 minutes and the ammonia was removed therefrom with a bath of tepid water and a strong stream of nitrogen.

(12) Hydr0lysis.--A solution of 50 gm. of oxalic acid in 250 cc. of aqueous ethanol containing water was slowly added to the solution obtained above and the mixture was heated at an internal temperature of 50 to 55 C. for 10 minutes under an atmosphere of nitrogen, then was cooled and diluted with water. The mixture was extracted with methylene chloride and the organic phase ethanol and the solution was heated to an internal temperature of 50 C. with agitation. Next, 4 cc. of concentrated hydrochloric acid were added to the solution which was then agitated for several minutes, iced and poured into a mixture of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate and ice water. The reaction mixture was extracted with methylene chloride and the organic phase was recovered, washed with water until the wash waters were neutral, then dried and evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The residue obtained was recrystalliz ed from refluxing isopropyl ether to obtain 870 mg. (a yield of 60%) of 17a-methyl-des A-19-nor-A -pregnene- 20-ol-5-one having a melting point of 170 C. and a spe- The product occurred in the form of colorless prismatic needles which were slightly soluble in ether and soluble in alcohol, acetone, benzene and chloroform.

Analysis.--C H 0 molecular weight=262.38. Calculated: C, 77.81%; H, 9.98%. Found: C, 77.9; H, 10.2.

Step D: Preparation of 17a-methyl-20 benz0yloxy-des" A-I 9-n0r-A -pregnene-5-0ne 994 mg. of 17a-methyl-des A-19-nor-A -pregnene-20- ol-5-one were dissolved in 6 cc. of pyridine under agitation and at a temperature of 0 C. and 2.25 cc. of benzoyl chloride were slowly added thereto. The reaction mixture was kept under agitation for 10 minutes and then it was allowed to stand overnight at a temperature of 5 C. Thereafter, a few drops of formic acid were added to the reaction mixture, which was agitated for /2 hour and then was poured into a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The reaction mixture was extracted with methylene chloride and the organic phase was recovered, washed successively with N hydrochloric acid, with water, with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate and again with water, and finally dried and evaporated under vacuum. The product obtained was recrystallized from refluxing isopropyl ether to obtain 1.195 gm. (a yield of of 17a-methyl-20-benzoyloxy-des A-19- nor-A -pregnene-5-one having a melting point of 163 C. and a specific rotation [a] =25.8 (c.=0.37% in methanol).

The product occurred in the form of colorless prismatic needles which were soluble in most of the usual organic solvents.

Analysis.C H O molecular weight=366.48. Calculated: C, 78.65%; H, 8.25%. Found: C, 78.6; H, 8.1.

In a similar manner, 17u-methyl-20-acetoxy-des A-19- nor-A -pregnene-5-one was obtained proceeding in the following manner:

932 mg. of 17a-methyl-des A-19-nor-A -pregnene-20- ol-5-one were dissolved in 4 cc. pyridine and then 2 cc. of acetic anhydride were added thereto after which the reaction mixture was agitated under an atmosphere of nitrogen for 20 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with methylene chloride. The organic phase was recovered, successively washed with N hydrochloric acid, with water, with a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and again with water. The organic phase was dried and evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The residue obtained was triturated in refluxing hexane to obtain 942 'mg. (a yield of 87%) of 17a-methyl-20-acetoxy-des A-19-nor- A -pregnene-5-one having a melting point of 180 C. and a specific rotation [a] =+6.4- :1 (c.=0.44% in methanol).

The product occurred in the form of colorless prismatic needles which were soluble in most of the common organic solvents.

Analysis.-C H O molecular weight=304.41. Ca1- culated: C, 74.96%; H, 9.27%. Found: C, 75.0; H, 9.2.

Step E: Preparation of 5-pyrrolidyl-17a-methyl-20- benzoyloxy-des A-19-n0r-A -pregnadiene 2.83 gm. of 17a-methyl-20=benzoyloxy-des A-19-nor- A -preguene-5-one were dissolved in 14 cc. of anydrous pyrrolidine and the resulting solution was refluxed for an hour under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The reaction mixture was iced and after 30 cc. of methanol were added thereto, the crystallization was initiated by scraping. After 2 hours, the crystallized mixture was vacuum filtered, washed with iced methanol and dried under vacuum to obtain 2.601 gm. (a yield of 80.5%) of 5-py-rrolidyl-17amethyl 20-benzoyloxy-des A-19-nor-A -pregnadiene having a melting point of 129 C.

The product obtained was utilized as such for the next step of the synthesis. The product occured in the form of yellow prisms which were slightly soluble in alcohol and soluble in benzene and chloroform.

Step F: Preparation of 3-chl0r0-17a-methyl-20- benz0yl0xy-4,5-sec0-19-nar-A -pregnadiene5-one 15 gm. of potassium iodide were added to cc. of anhydrous dimethylformamide. After dissolution, 25 cc.

of dimethylformarnide were distilled off under an atmosphere of nitrogen and the solution was cooled to obtain a solution titrating 11.4 gm. of potassium iodide for 100 cc. of solution.

2.6 gm. of S-pyrrolidyl-l7a-methyI-ZO-benzoyloxy-des A-19-norA -pregnadiene were introduced into the solution prepared as indicated above and the reaction mixture was cooled to approximately C. and agitated under an atmosphere of nitrogen and in total absence of light for 15 minutes. Thereafter, 082 cc. of anhydrous 1,3-dichloro-2-butene were added and the reaction mixture was agitated for 2 /2 hours in the total absence of light. After an addition of Water, the reaction mixture was agitated at an internal temperature of 90 to 95 C. for 2 hours and then was cooled to room temperature. After extraction with methylene chloride, the organic phase which was recovered, was washed with water, then dried and evaporated under vacuum. The residue obtained was subjected to chromatography through silica gel and eluted with methylene chloride containing 0.5 of acetone to obtain 2.705 gm. (a yield of 97.5%) of 3-ChlOI'0-l7ozmethyl 20-benzoyloxy-4,5-seco-19-nor-A -pregnadiene- 5-one. The product was utilized as such for the next step of the synthesis.

The product was soluble in most of the common organic solvents.

Analysis.--C H O Cl; molecular Calculated: CI, 7.7%. Found: Cl, 7.5.

Step G: Preparation of 3-chloro-5-acetoxy-17u-methyl- ZO-benzoy l 0.xy-4 ,5 -seco-1 9-n 0r-A ,9 -pregnatriene weight=45 5 .02.

2.05 gm. of 3-chloro-17a-methyl-20-benzoyloxy-4,5- seco-19-nor-A -pregnadiene-5-one were introduced into 52 cc. of anhydrous toluene and after 8.2 cc. of acetic anhydride and 82 mg. of p-toluene sulfonic acid were added thereto, the reaction mixture was refluxed for a period of 5% hours with agitation under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The reaction mixture was cooled and 20 cc. of a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution were added dropwise thereto and then 10 gm. of pulverized sodium bicarbonate were very slowly added. The agitation was maintained for one more hour at room temperature. Next, the reaction mixture was poured into water and the organic phase was separated, dried and evaporated to dryness under vacuum to obtain 2.265 gm. (practically quantitative yield) of 3-chloro5-acetoxy-17amethyl 20-benzoyloxy-4,5-seco-1'9-nor-A -preg natriene which was utilized as such for the next step of the synthesis.

Step H: Preparation of 3-chlor0-17a-methyl-20- benzoyloxy-4,5-sec0-19-nar-A -pregnatriene-S-one (A) Bromination.-2.255 gm. of 3-chloro-5-acetoxy- 17a methyl-20-benzoyloxy-4,5-seco-19-nor-A pregnatn'ene were added to 23 cc. of anhydrous dimethylformamide and the mixture was agitated under an atmosphere of nitrogen. To the resulting solution 1.5 gm. of sodium acetate were added first and then over a period of 4 hours, 9.6 cc. of a solution of bromine in dimethyl formamide, titrating 10.5 gm. of bromine per 100 cc. of solution, were added. After the introduction was completed, the reaction mixture was agitated for an hour at room temperature and then poured into ice water. The organic phase was extracted with methylene chloride and the methylene extract was first washed with a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and then with water until the wash waters were neutral, dried and evaporated to dryness under vacuum to obtain 3-chloro-11-bromo- 17oz methyl 20-benzoyloxy-4,5-seco-19-nor-A -pregnadiene-S-one which was utilized as such for the next step of the synthesis.

(B) Dehydrobromination.3 chloro 11-bromo-17amethyl 20-benzoyloxy-4,5-seco-19-nor-A -pregnadiene- 5-one obtained as described above was introduced into 40 cc. of anhydrous dimethylformamide and 2.255 gm. of

lithium bromide and 2.255 gm. of lithium carbonate were added thereto. The reaction mixture was heated for 18 hours at about 110 C. while agitating under an atmosphere of nitrogen. After cooling, the reaction mixture was poured into a mixture of 75 cc. of iced water, 40 cc. of methylene chloride and 5 cc. of acetic acid and agitated for a few minutes. The organic layer was separated, washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The residue obtained was subjected to chromatography through magnesium silicate and was eluted with methylene chloride to obtain 1.039 gm. (a yield of 51%) of 3-chloro-17a-methyl-20-benzoyloxy- 4,5 seco 19 nor-A -pregnatriene-S-one which was utilized as such for the next step of the synthesis.

The product was soluble in most of the common organi solvents.

Step I: Preparation of 3-chl0r0-17a-methyl-4,5-sec0-19- nor-A pregnatriene-20-0l-5-0ne 1.025 gm. of 3-chloro-17a-methyl-20-benzoyloxy-4,5- seco-19-nor-A -pregnatriene-S-one were dissolved in 3 cc. of anhydrous methanol and 25 cc. of an N methanolic potassium hydroxide solution prepared by starting with 8 cc. of a 48 Baum potassium hydroxide solution in methanol in a quantity sufiicient to obtain cc. of solution were added thereto. Next, the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 8 hours while agitating under an atmosphere of nitrogen. After cooling the reaction mixture was poured into ice water and the organic phase was extracted with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extract was washed with water until the wash waters were neutral, then dried and evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The residue obtained was subjected to chromatography through magnesium silicate and was eluted with methylene chloride containing 0.5% of acetone to obtain 513 mg. (a yield of 65%) of 3-chloro-17a-methyl-4,5- seco-l9-nor-A -pregnatriene-2O-ol-5-one. The product was utilized as such for the next step of the synthesis.

The product was soluble in alcohol, ether, acetone, benzene and chloroform.

Step J: Preparation 0 f 3 -chl0r0-1 7 a-methyl-4,5 -sec0-1 9- nor-A -pregnatriene-5 ,ZO-dione 500 gm. of 3-chloro-17a-methyl-4,5-seco-19-nor-A pregnatriene-ZO-ol-S-one were dissolved into 50 cc. of anhydrous acetone and the solutoin was cooled to about 0". C. at agitation under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Over a period of 30 minutes, 1.4 cc. of a sulfochromic acid solution prepared from 1.03 gm. of chromium trioxide, 10 cc. of water and 1 cc. of sulfuric acid was added thereto and the reaction mixture was then agitated for 2% hours at room temperature. After an addition of 5 cc. of a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, the mixture was filtered and the organic phase was extracted with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extract was Washed with water until the wash waters were neutral, dried and evaporated to dryness under vacuum to obtain 501 gm. (quantitative yield) of 3-chloro-17amethyl-4,5-seco-19-nor-A -pregnatriene 5,20 dione. The product was utilized as such for the next step of the synthesis.

The product was soluble in most of the usual organic solvents.

Step K: Preparation 0 17a-methyl-4,5-sec0-19-n0r- A -pregnadiene-3,5,20-tri0ne 2.5 cc. of sulfuric acid were cooled to about 0 C. and a solution of 493 mg. of 3-chloro-17a-methyl-4,5-seco-19- nor-A -pregnatriene-5,20-dione in 0.5 cc. of methylene chloride were added thereto over a period of 10 minutes while agitating under an atmosphere of nitrogen. After the introduction was completed, the reaction mixture was agitated for about 10 minutes at a temperature of about 3 C. and then the reaction mixture was poured into a mixture of 25 cc. of methylene chloride, 25 cc. of a 11 "saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and 25 cc. of ice water. The organic phase was separated, washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness under vac- Step L: Preparation of 17u-methyl-19-n0r-A Y pregnatriene-3,20-dione Under an atmosphere of nitrogen, 2.8 gm. of sodium were introduced into 40 cc. of anhydrous toluene and the solution was heated to reflux. Next, 12.5 cc. of anhydrous tertiary amyl alcohol were added to the reaction mixture under agitation and the mixture was maintained at reflux for 19 /2 hours. Then, the reaction mixture was cooled to obtain a solution of sodium tert.-amylate which titrates at 1.48 N. 390 mg. of 17ix-methyl-4,5-seco-19-n0r- A -pregnadiene-3,5,20-trione were added to 7.8 cc. of anhydrous toluene while agitating under an atmosphere of nitrogen. After cooling the reaction mixture to about C. 0.4 cc. of the 1.48 N sodium tert.-amylate solution admixed with 4 cc. of toluene was added thereto and the reaction mixture was agitated for a period of 6 hours. Thereafter, 0.04 cc. of acetic acid and 4 cc. of toluene were introduced into the reaction mixture which was then extracted with methylene chloride. The methylene chloride extract was washed with water until the wash waters were neutral, dried and evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The residue obtained was subjected to chromatography through magnesium silicate and was eluted with methylene chloride containing 2.5% of acetone to obtain 318 mg. of product which was recrystallized from refluxing isopropyl ether to obtain 230 mg. (a yield of 62.5%) of 17a-methyl-19-nor-A -pregnatriene-3,20-dione having a melting point of 82 C. and a specific rotation [a] =56 (c.=0'.35% in dioxane).

The product occurred in the form of yellow prisms which were soluble in alcohol, ether, acetone, benzene and chloroform. v

Analysis.--C H O molecular weight=310.42. Calculated: C, 81.24%; H, 8.44%. Found: C, 81.1; H. 8.5.

PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDY OF, 170L-METHYL- 19-NOR-A -PREGNATRIENE-3,ZO-DIONE (1) Determination of the progektomimetic activity. The progestomimetie activity of 17a-methyl-19-nor- A -pregnatriene-3,20-dione was ascertained by the Clauberg test conducted on rabbits under the age of puberty which were previously sensitized by subcutaneous administration of estradiol benzoate for days at a daily dose of g. The said compound was utilized as a solution in olive oil admixed with 5% benzylic alcohol which was orally administered for 5 days at daily doses of 50, 100 and 200 g. The animals were sacrificed on the sixth day and the lace-like proliferation of the endometrium on the sections of the uterus was observed which reproduction is characteristic of progestomimetic action. The following results expressed in MacPhail units were obtained.

MacPhail units:

at 50 g. 0 at 100 g. 1.4 at 200 g. 2.4

At an orally administered dose of 200 g. the compound of the invention exercised the same progestomimetic action as progesterone utilized at the same dose administered subcutaneously. Under the same conditions at a dose of 1 mg. in the Clauberg test, 19-nor-progesterone per os yielded 1.9 in MacPhail units.

(2) Gestative'action-test for the maintenance of gestation-This test was based on the fact that abortion, which is the rule in rabbits subjected to ovariectomy during the gestation, may be avoided by a suitable treat- 5 ment replacing the ovarian hormones. Rabbits, castrated on the 14th day of their gestation, were utilized and were treated daily from the 13th to the 27th day either with oral or subcutaneous administration. The product was administered as a solution in oil admixed with 5% benzylic alcohol and the animals were sacrified on the 28th day. At the autopsy the living fetuses and the normal and the macerated placentae were counted, the latter corresponding to abortions. With subcutaneous administration, the results showed that 17a-methyl-19-nor- A -pregnatriene-3,20-dione brought on maintenance of the subtotal gestation at a dose of 0.5 mg. per day whereas progesterone presented the same result only at a dose of 10 mg. per day.

The compositions and method of the invention may be varied without departing from the spirit or scope thereof and it is to be understood that the invention is to be limited only as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

- 1. A compound of the formula 19-nor-A wherein R and R are alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms which comprises reacting 5-methoxy-l3fi-R'-des-A-18.19-dinor- A -pregnatetraene-ZO-orie wherein R has the above definition with an alkyl halide wherein the alkyl is R of the above definition in the presence of a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals in liquid ammonia to form 5-methoxy-13fi- R'-17a-R-des A-18,19-dinOr-A -pregnatriene-ZO-one, reducing the latter with a mixed metal hydride to form 5-methoxy-13fl-R-17a-R-des A-18,19-dinor-A -pregnatriene-ZO-ol, subjecting the latter to a Birch reduction followed by mild acidic hydrolysis to form 135-11 1701- R-des A-18,19-dinor-A -pregnene-20-ol-5-one, reacting the latter with a concentrated mineral acid to form 13,B-R- 17oc-R-d6s A-l8,19-dinor-A -pregnene-2O-ol-5-one, esterifying the latter to form 135-R-17a-R-des A-18,19-dinor- 5 20-acyloxy-A -pregnene-5-one wherein the acyl radical is derived from an organic carboxylic acid of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, reacting the latter with a cyclic amine a of the formula R NH my wherein R" is an alkylene of 4 to 7 carbon atoms to form the corresponding S-enamino-13,8-R-17a-R-des-A- 18,l9-dinor-20-acyloxy-A -pregnadiene, condensing the latter with 1,3-dichloro-2-butene to form 3-chloro- 13,8 R 17a R 2O acyloxy4,5'seco-l8,19-dinor-A pregnadiene5-0ne, converting the latter into its enolic acetate, brominating the latter to form 3-chloro-11-bromo- 135 R 17a R 2O acyloxy-4,5-seco-l8,19-dinor-A pregnadiene-S-one, dehydrobrominating the latter to form 3chloro-13,8-R-17a-R-2O-acyloXy-4,5-seco 18,19 dinor- A -pregnatriene-S-one, saponifying the latter to form 3 chloro 13B R 17cc R-4,5-seco-18,l9-dinor-A pregnatriene-20o1-5-one, oxidizing the latter to form 3-Cl1lOI0-13fl-R'-17a-R-4,5-SCO18,19-diI1OI-A pregnatriene-5,20-dione, subjecting the latter to acid hydrolysis to form 13fi-R'-17aR-4,5-seco-18,19-dinor-A -pregnadiene-3,5,20-trione and cyclizing the latter with a dehydrating agent to form the 13B-R'-17u-R-18,19-dinor- A -pregnatriene-3,20-dione.

4. 17a-methyl-des A-19-nor-A -pregnene-20-ol-5-one.

5. 3 chloro-17a-methyl-4,5-seco-19-nor-A -pregnatriene-ZO-ol-S-one.

6. 3-chloro-17:-111ethyl-4,5sec0-l9-nor-A pregnatriene-5,20-di0ne.

7. 17a methyl 4,5-seco-l9-norA -pregnadiene-3,5- ZO-trione.

8. A composition for maintaining pregnancy in mammals comprised of at least one 19-nor-A -steroids of the formula References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 4/1966 Nomine et a1. 16774 6/1966 Nomine et a1. 167-74 25 ELBERT L. ROBERTS, Primary Examiner. 

8. A COMPOSITION OFR MAINTAINING PREGNANCY IN MAMMALS COMPRISED OF AT LEAST ONE 19-NOR$4,9,11-STEROIDS OF THE FORMULA 